Tuesday, November 16, 2021

'Everything's skyrocketing': Record-high California gas prices add to holiday sticker shock

Brian Sproule squinted against the sun on Monday as he examined the price board at a Chevron station in downtown Los Angeles, where a regular gallon of gas was $6.05.

Sproule, 37, is a mobile notary who spends much of his time in his car. He said he’s used to spending about $40 to fill his tank, but by the time he capped off his Hyundai Elantra, the meter displayed a whopping $71.59.

“This is absurd,” he said, shaking his head.

Gas prices in California are soaring to record levels as the holiday season approaches, combining with supply chain problems that have left some goods in short supply and mounting inflation to create a distinctly unfestive strain on many people's wallets.

Statewide, the average price of a regular gallon reached an all-time high of $4.682 on Monday, according to the American Automobile Assn. Experts are not sure how high pump prices will go, but it's going to further squeeze consumers who hope for a more normal holiday season of road trips to family gatherings and drives to shops to purchase presents.

"It's not just the gas, it's everything," said Monica Oliva, 36, as she filled her bright orange sedan at the station...MORE

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